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5.0 from 123 votes

30 Minute Bún Riêu (Vietnamese Crab and Tomato Noodle Soup)

This quick bun rieu recipe is a cozy, 30-minute Vietnamese noodle soup made with a savory tomato broth, fluffy crab meatballs, and rice vermicelli noodles. It’s packed with bold flavor, fresh herbs, and comforting textures—perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something warm and satisfying without the all-day prep!

Prep Time
8 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 622 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Ingredients

For the Broth
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 4 quarts water
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mushroom or chicken bouillon powder
  • 2 tablespoons rock sugar or granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon shrimp paste oil (or paprika)
  • 3 shallots or onions finely diced
  • 4 tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For the Crab Meatballs (Riêu)
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • ½ pound prawn or shrimp (about 4-5)
  • ¼ cup dried shrimp (rehydrated in hot water)
  • 1 cup lump crabmeat
  • 1 cup shrimp paste
  • ½ cup crab paste
  • 3 eggs
Noodles
  • 1 pound dried rice noodles
Additional Toppings (Optional)
  • 1 pound fried tofu
  • ½ pound bean sprouts
  • 1 bunch assorted vegetables (purple perilla, Thai basil, mint)
  • 1 bunch morning glory (rau muong) or cabbage shredded
  • Lime wedges
  • chopped scallions
  • chopped cilantro

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prep the dried shrimp – Soak in hot water for 10 minutes, then mince in a food processor and add to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Purée the fresh shrimp – Use the food processor to blend into a smooth paste.
  3. Make the crab mixture – In the same bowl, combine ground pork, puréed shrimp, dried shrimp, crab paste, lump crab, and eggs. Mix until fully combined and set aside.
  4. Build the broth – In a large stockpot, add chicken broth, water, fish sauce, bouillon powder, and rock sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  5. Sauté aromatics – In a skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil, shrimp paste oil (or paprika), and shallots. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  6. Cook the tomatoes – Add tomatoes and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still holding their shape. Stir the tomato mixture into the simmering broth.
  7. Add the crab meatballs – Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the crab mixture and gently drop into the broth. Repeat with remaining mixture, making sure the sizes are even for uniform cooking. Simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Assemble and serve – Add cooked vermicelli noodles to bowls, ladle the hot broth and crab meatballs over the top, and garnish with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Sauté tomatoes in shrimp or crab paste oil for that signature flavor and rich red color—don’t worry if a little paste slips in, it only adds more depth.
  • Use good-quality rice vermicelli and cook the noodles right before serving so they stay tender, not mushy.
  • Let the broth simmer gently to develop flavor, but don’t overcook the crab mixture—it should stay light and fluffy.
  • Taste as you go! Adjust fish sauce, sugar, or salt to get the balance just right for you.
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Nutrition Information

Calories 622kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 60g (20%) Protein 47g (94%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 0.02g Cholesterol 411mg (137%) Sodium 2457mg (102%) Potassium 530mg (15%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 3000IU (60%) Vitamin C 17mg (19%) Calcium 271mg (27%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 622

% Daily Value*

Calories 622kcal 31%
Carbohydrates 60g 20%
Protein 47g 94%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0.02g 1%
Cholesterol 411mg 137%
Sodium 2457mg 102%
Potassium 530mg 11%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 3000IU 60%
Vitamin C 17mg 19%
Calcium 271mg 27%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.